New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which started cleaning up the silt deposits at project sites on the Yamuna floodplain to restore public infrastructure after the flooding on Tuesday, has decided to shift its focus from building concrete structures to green landscapes along the banks. The reason for the shift is the time-tested resilience of certain indigenous species of plants, which are part of a multi-tier riverine plantation project. “The plantation system was adapted according to the ecological needs of the floodplain, and it survived the water level rise in 2023. This year, too, it is anticipated that the plants have not suffered major damage,” an official said. “Instead of traditional concrete structures, the project sites will be developed as green landscapes, with indigenous species of plants dotting the riverbank and wetlands,” the official said. If this is done, the damage from flooding will be minimal in the future, officials said. “In place of tiled walkways, there will be unpaved paths. Seating will be in a simple, nature-friendly manner. There will be spaces for community activities such as yoga, as well as decks for river viewing. The banks will have environmental information boards, organic toilets and solar-powered nighttime lighting,” the official said. A budget of Rs 82 crore has been allocated in the current financial year for the floodplain rejuvenation. The development of the Yamuna riverfront is being done in phases. Out of the 1,700 hectares of land spread over a 22-kilometre urban stretch, approximately 780 hectares have been developed. The Asita park, Vasudev Ghat, Amrit Biodiversity Park, and Bansera are part of this rejuvenation plan. On the remaining 920 hectares, the Yamuna Vatika, Mayur Nature Park, Kalindi Aviral and Hindon Lake are about to come up. Work is in progress at the Millennium depot near Sarai Kale Khan, where a market will be created using tents. There will be parking area too.A DDA official added that lieutenant governor VK Saxena was personally overseeing the clean-up of the floodplain. DDA officials said that the staff waited for the water to recede before cleaning the sitting areas, lights and pavements. The staff are now cleaning the surface-level silt, removing unwanted plants and repairing public infrastructure, including seating areas, lights and pavements. Restoring the waterbodies comes next.
